Northly Editorial Content Guidelines

Introduction

Northly is a Canadian digital media network dedicated to covering cities, culture, events, lifestyle, food, entertainment, and stories that matter to local communities across the country. Our goal is to create content that is timely, engaging, informative, and trustworthy, while reflecting the energy, diversity, and evolving identity of the communities we serve.

As a digital-first publisher, we operate in a fast-moving environment where speed matters, but audience trust matters more. These guidelines exist to help ensure that all content published across Northly’s websites, newsletters, social channels, and other owned platforms meets a consistent standard of quality, fairness, transparency, and accountability.

These principles apply to Northly employees, editors, writers, freelancers, contractors, contributors, content creators, and any third parties producing content on behalf of Northly.

Our Editorial Approach

Northly publishes a mix of editorial, service-based, cultural, and community-driven content. Our coverage may include reporting, recommendations, local news, events, lists, guides, explainers, recaps, interviews, commentary, and branded activations.

Our editorial approach is guided by the following principles:

• Serve the audience first
• Prioritize accuracy and clarity
• Publish with speed, but not at the expense of credibility
• Maintain a distinct editorial voice without sacrificing factual integrity
• Reflect local communities fairly and respectfully
• Be transparent when content is sponsored, updated, corrected, or based on limited available information

Northly is not a traditional wire-style newsroom, but we do hold ourselves to serious standards when it comes to factual accuracy, source quality, transparency, and public trust.

Accuracy and Verification

Accuracy is one of the core requirements of all Northly content. We make reasonable and good-faith efforts to verify claims, details, names, dates, times, pricing, event information, locations, quotes, and other factual elements before publication.

Depending on the nature of the story, this may include:

• Reviewing primary sources such as official statements, press releases, websites, public records, event organizers, or direct communications
• Cross-checking facts with multiple credible sources
• Confirming information directly with relevant businesses, organizations, public institutions, or individuals where appropriate
• Reviewing supporting media, screenshots, source materials, or documentation before publishing claims based on third-party submissions

We aim to avoid publishing rumours, assumptions, unverified accusations, or misleading framing. Where facts are still emerging, we may publish based on the best available verified information at the time and update the content as new confirmed details become available.

If a piece includes time-sensitive information, such as event dates, business openings, menus, promotions, pricing, or schedules, our team will make reasonable efforts to confirm those details before publication. However, such information can change after publication, and readers should confirm directly with the relevant business or organizer where appropriate.

Corrections, Clarifications, and Updates

We take errors seriously. If a factual error is identified, we aim to correct it as promptly as reasonably possible.

Depending on the situation, Northly may:

• Correct the wording directly in the story
• Add an editor’s note or correction note
• Update the date or timestamp on the article
• Clarify language that may have created a misleading impression
• Remove inaccurate details that cannot be verified

When a correction materially changes the meaning of a story, we aim to make that correction transparent to readers. Minor edits for grammar, style, formatting, or readability may be made without a formal correction note.

We also update stories as new facts emerge. An update is not necessarily a correction; it may reflect additional reporting, new developments, or changes to circumstances after the original publication.

Northly welcomes feedback regarding possible inaccuracies, misleading framing, outdated information, or issues requiring clarification. Reports of errors may be submitted through our official contact channels.

Originality, Attribution, and Plagiarism

Northly expects all published work to be original and properly attributed.

We do not permit:

• Copying articles, social captions, newsletters, or other written material from other publishers or creators
• Lifting wording too closely from a source without proper quotation or transformation
• Republishing another outlet’s reporting as if it were our own
• Using photos, videos, graphics, or creative assets without authorization, licensing, permission, or lawful basis for use

When external reporting, research, source material, media, or publicly available information informs a story, that contribution should be credited appropriately. If another outlet breaks a story and we reference that reporting, we should acknowledge that clearly rather than implying original reporting where it did not occur.

Plagiarism, fabrication, and intentional misrepresentation are serious violations of Northly’s standards and may result in removal of content, termination of contributor relationships, or other corrective action.

Editorial Independence

Northly maintains a separation between editorial judgment and commercial interests.

Advertising, sponsorship, partnerships, affiliate relationships, and client work must not improperly influence editorial decisions. We do not sell editorial coverage disguised as independent journalism, and we do not present paid placements as organic editorial content.

Our editorial team retains discretion over whether and how editorial content is covered. Coverage decisions should be based on relevance, audience value, and editorial merit, not on whether a subject is a current or prospective advertiser.

Any internal, personal, financial, or business relationship that could reasonably create a conflict of interest should be disclosed to management before publication or assignment.

Sponsored Content, Partnerships, and Commercial Transparency

Northly works with brands, venues, agencies, and partners on sponsored campaigns, paid partnerships, and other commercial content. We believe transparency is essential whenever commercial relationships are involved.

Paid content should be clearly labeled in language that a reasonable reader can understand, including where applicable:

• Sponsored
• Paid Partnership
• Presented by
• In Partnership With
• Affiliate Content

Commercial content should not be designed to intentionally mislead readers into believing it is purely independent editorial content when it is not.

Northly may create branded content that aligns with our tone, audience, and platform style, but the existence of commercial partnerships does not automatically influence independent editorial decision-making elsewhere on our platforms.

If affiliate links are used, that relationship should be disclosed in a clear and appropriate manner.

Fairness and Responsible Framing

We strive to present information fairly and in context. That does not mean every story must be neutral in tone, but it does mean we should avoid distortion, selective omission, or framing that unfairly misleads readers.

When reporting on disputes, accusations, controversies, or criticism involving a person, business, or organization, we should make reasonable efforts to:

• Confirm the factual basis of the claim
• Seek comment where appropriate
• Distinguish allegation from fact
• Avoid implying guilt, wrongdoing, or intent without a verified basis

We do not publish content solely to embarrass, provoke, or exploit individuals. Northly aims to be culturally relevant and engaging, but not reckless, defamatory, or needlessly inflammatory.

Use of Anonymous Sources and Unverified Submissions

Northly prefers to rely on on-the-record sources, original documentation, direct communication, or verifiable public material whenever possible.

Anonymous sources may be used only when there is a legitimate editorial reason, such as protection from harm, retaliation, or other credible risk, and when the information can be independently corroborated to a reasonable degree.

We do not publish serious allegations based solely on hearsay, anonymous speculation, or unverified submissions. User-submitted tips, screenshots, messages, or media may inform our reporting, but should be reviewed critically and, where possible, verified before being treated as fact.

Community, Culture, and Local Perspective

Northly is rooted in local communities. Our content reflects the people, neighbourhoods, trends, venues, creators, and conversations shaping city life across Canada.

We recognize that editorial choices are shaped by community interest and cultural context. This means our content may include recommendations, rankings, guides, celebrations, or culturally informed editorial judgment. These formats can be subjective in style, but they should still be grounded in honesty, real audience value, and good-faith editorial reasoning.

We aim to celebrate local culture without reducing communities to stereotypes or flattening nuance for clicks.

Inclusion, Representation, and Respect

Northly is committed to representing people and communities in a respectful, inclusive, and responsible way.

We strive to avoid language, imagery, framing, or editorial patterns that marginalize, stereotype, dehumanize, or unfairly target people on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, or other protected characteristics.

We also aim to ensure our content reflects a broad range of communities, perspectives, and lived experiences. This does not mean every article must include every perspective, but it does mean our broader body of work should not consistently exclude or misrepresent people.

Writers and editors should take extra care when covering communities to which they are outsiders, and should avoid tokenism, coded language, or framing that sensationalizes identity.

Sensitive Topics and Vulnerable Individuals

Northly may at times cover sensitive issues, including crime, public safety, community incidents, mental health, discrimination, accidents, allegations, death, abuse, or situations involving children or vulnerable people.

In these cases, we aim to exercise heightened care and editorial judgment. This includes considering:

• Whether publication serves a legitimate public interest
• Whether identifying details are necessary
• Whether the framing could cause avoidable harm
• Whether the content could retraumatize, exploit, or dehumanize those involved
• Whether minors or vulnerable individuals require additional protection

We may choose to omit names, identifying characteristics, visuals, or certain details where doing so is more responsible. We do not publish graphic or exploitative material simply for attention.

When covering crime or allegations, we do not state or imply guilt where it has not been established. We respect legal standards, due process, privacy considerations, and publication restrictions where applicable.

Children and Minors

We take particular care when content involves children or minors.

As a general principle, Northly avoids publishing personally identifying information about minors in sensitive contexts unless there is a clear public-interest justification and a lawful basis to do so. Additional caution should be exercised when using photos, videos, interviews, social content, or stories involving children.

Content involving minors should be handled with care, dignity, and restraint, especially in stories involving trauma, discipline, crime, health, harassment, or family matters.

Privacy and Newsgathering Standards

Northly respects privacy and aims to avoid unnecessary intrusion into people’s personal lives.

We distinguish between matters of genuine public interest and matters that are merely attention-grabbing or invasive. Public figures and businesses may be subject to greater scrutiny than private individuals, but that does not eliminate the need for fairness and restraint.

We do not use deception, intimidation, or underhanded tactics to obtain information. When reaching out for comment, interviews, or clarification, Northly representatives should identify themselves honestly and communicate professionally.

We generally do not pay for tips, allegations, interviews, or source materials.

Use of Social Media, Public Posts, and User-Generated Content

Northly may reference, embed, repost, quote, or discuss publicly available social media content when it is relevant to a story or community conversation.

However, the public availability of a post does not automatically make its use appropriate in every context. Our team should consider:

• Whether the post is authentic and not misleading or manipulated
• Whether resharing it could create disproportionate harm
• Whether the person featured is a minor or vulnerable individual
• Whether the content is being taken out of context
• Whether additional permission would be appropriate despite the post being public

We do not attempt to gain access to private or restricted content through deceptive means. We also avoid amplifying content that appears exploitative, dangerous, or harmful without sufficient editorial justification.

User-generated content submitted to Northly may be edited for clarity, formatting, length, or legal risk. Submission of content does not guarantee publication.

Reviews, Recommendations, and Best-Of Content

Northly may publish recommendations, rankings, reviews, guides, and best-of style content related to food, nightlife, travel, events, shopping, entertainment, and other local experiences.

These pieces are often shaped by editorial judgment, audience interest, firsthand experience, available information, or community relevance. They may include subjective elements, but they should still be honest, responsibly framed, and not knowingly misleading.

Where relevant, we may attend openings, previews, launches, events, or tastings. Acceptance of hospitality does not guarantee coverage or positive coverage. Any material commercial relationship tied to the content should be disclosed where appropriate.

We do not guarantee inclusion in editorial roundups, lists, or recommendations in exchange for payment unless the content is clearly labeled as sponsored or paid placement.

Gifts, Freebies, Tickets, and Hospitality

To protect editorial credibility, Northly team members should avoid accepting gifts, compensation, or benefits that could reasonably compromise their independence or create the appearance of influence.

In some cases, Northly may accept event access, preview invitations, media passes, samples, or hospitality where it is standard industry practice and where doing so supports coverage. These situations should not affect the fairness or honesty of the resulting content.

Cash payments, personal gifts of significant value, or quid pro quo arrangements in exchange for coverage are not permitted.

Where needed, management may set internal thresholds or approval requirements for gifts, comps, or special access.

Legal and Ethical Compliance

All Northly content must comply with applicable laws, including but not limited to laws relating to defamation, copyright, privacy, contempt, youth protections, publication bans, consumer protection, advertising disclosure, and intellectual property.

Writers, editors, and contributors are expected to avoid publishing material that is knowingly false, unlawfully copied, defamatory, or otherwise legally irresponsible.

Where legal or reputational risk is elevated, Northly may choose to withhold publication, revise language, seek additional verification, or obtain legal review.

Artificial Intelligence and Editing Tools

Northly may use technology tools, including AI-assisted tools, for limited support functions such as brainstorming, transcription support, formatting assistance, summarization, or internal workflow efficiency.

However, these tools do not replace editorial judgment. Any content produced with assistance from automated tools must still be reviewed, verified, and approved by a human editor or authorized team member before publication.

Northly does not treat AI-generated outputs as verified facts or original reporting. Responsibility for accuracy, legality, tone, fairness, and final publication always rests with Northly.

Comment Moderation and Audience Conduct

Northly supports open conversation and community engagement across its owned platforms, but reserves the right to moderate comments and user interactions in order to maintain respectful and safe spaces.

We may remove comments or restrict users who engage in:

• Hate speech
• Harassment or threats
• Discriminatory or dehumanizing language
• Spam or repeated disruptive behaviour
• Defamation or knowingly false claims
• Obscene, abusive, or unsafe content

We are not obligated to publish or retain any user comment, submission, or contribution. Repeated or serious violations may result in removal, restriction, or banning from our platforms.

Content Removal, Archiving, and Republishing

As a general practice, Northly does not remove content solely because a subject later dislikes the coverage, disagrees with editorial framing, or faces reputational discomfort from truthful reporting.

However, Northly may review requests for removal, redaction, or revision in limited cases, including where:

• The content contains factual inaccuracies
• Publication creates a credible safety concern
• A legal issue requires revision or removal
• A story involving a missing person, minor, or vulnerable individual has materially changed
• The public interest no longer justifies retaining specific identifying details

Northly may also revise archived content when necessary for legal, factual, or ethical reasons.

Separation of Editorial and Business Functions

Northly’s editorial function and commercial function may collaborate operationally, but they are not interchangeable.

Editorial staff should not be pressured to shape coverage to satisfy advertisers, sponsors, or partners. Likewise, sponsored content must not be passed off as independent editorial coverage.

Where a campaign includes both editorial-style execution and paid promotion, the commercial nature of that work should be clearly disclosed in a manner appropriate to the platform.

Accountability

Northly believes trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and a willingness to improve.

We welcome good-faith feedback from readers, sources, partners, and community members. Where concerns are raised about accuracy, fairness, representation, or editorial conduct, we may review the content internally and take appropriate action where warranted.

These guidelines are intended to guide judgment, not replace it. Editorial decision-making often requires nuance, context, and discretion, and Northly expects its team to apply these standards thoughtfully and responsibly.

Living Document

These editorial guidelines are a living document and may evolve over time as Northly grows, expands into new content categories, adapts to new platforms, and responds to changing legal, cultural, and editorial standards.

The most current version of these guidelines will govern Northly’s editorial practices.

Contact

Questions, corrections, concerns, or requests relating to Northly content can be directed through our official contact channels listed on our website.

We value reader trust and community feedback, and we aim to address legitimate concerns in a timely and professional manner.